Interleukin 18 in the CNS
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine isolated as an important modulator of immune responses and subsequently shown to be pleiotropic. IL-18 and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they participate in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerat...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
BMC
2010-01-01
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Series: | Journal of Neuroinflammation |
Online Access: | http://www.jneuroinflammation.com/content/7/1/9 |
Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Interleukin (IL)-18 is a cytokine isolated as an important modulator of immune responses and subsequently shown to be pleiotropic. IL-18 and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where they participate in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes but also influence homeostasis and behavior. Work on IL-18 null mice, the localization of the IL-18 receptor complex in neurons and the neuronal expression of decoy isoforms of the receptor subunits are beginning to reveal the complexity and the significance of the IL-18 system in the CNS. This review summarizes current knowledge on the central role of IL-18 in health and disease.</p> |
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ISSN: | 1742-2094 |